Good Energy Solutions Founders Kevin and Shana Good

When it comes to energy, Good Energy Solutions in Lawrence isn’t just installing solar panels. The company is helping people take control of their energy lives. From flipping a light switch to designing full solar and energy storage systems, the team handles it all.

“We want to make energy simple and reliable for our customers, no matter the scale,” says Malcolm Proudfit, CEO of Good Energy Solutions.

The company’s expertise ranges from helping homeowners store solar energy for use whenever they need it, to creating commercial systems that level peak demand charges, giving businesses both security and cost stability. By owning their own systems, customers become less reliant on utilities, gaining long-term predictability in an often-volatile energy market. But the team at Good Energy Solutions doesn’t just work with new solar adopters. They often step in for those whose projects have hit a snag. Whether it’s a DIY attempt that didn’t go as planned, an installer who left work incomplete, or companies forced to close due to challenging industry policies and market pressures, Good Energy Solutions’ Solar Service and Repair division can help. “Electricity is serious business,” says Proudfit. “When systems aren’t installed properly, it’s not just a setback; it’s a safety risk. That’s where we come in.”

At the heart of Good Energy Solutions is a passionate team with a single mission: to guide customers through every energy need, ensuring safety, reliability, and long-term value. By combining technical expertise, personalized attention, and a full suite of energy services, they’ve become a one-stop shop for those who want to control their energy future.

Can you provide a brief overview of your company’s history?

Good Energy Solutions began in 2007 when Kevin and Shana Good set out to help families and businesses in Lawrence reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and lower energy costs through solar and energy efficiency solutions. What started as a small, family-owned venture quickly grew into a company known for craftsmanship, engineering expertise, and straightforward, honest practices.

In 2014, the team expanded with the addition of JJ Willems, who launched a dedicated electrical division that now handles everything from simple home repairs to large-scale commercial buildouts. Over the years, services have broadened to include commercial solar, energy storage, repair and maintenance of solar systems, backup power, and EV charging.

That steady growth has been matched with recognition. Good Energy Solutions employs more NABCEP-certified professionals than any other solar company in Kansas or Missouri and has collected a string of honors, from multiple Top Solar Contractor awards to the Best of Lawrence and the 2024 BBB Torch Award for Ethics.

In 2020, Malcolm Proudfit joined as CEO, ushering in a new chapter of expansion while also advocating for solar customers at the state level, working to strengthen policies that protect homeowners from predatory practices. The company continued to grow by acquiring Laven Electric in 2024, further solidifying its capabilities and community presence.

Most recently, Good Energy Solutions joined the Amicus Solar Cooperative and the Amicus O&M Cooperative in 2025. These memberships connect the company to a nationwide network of values-driven solar providers, giving customers access to stronger supply chains, competitive pricing, and the expertise of a national alliance, without sacrificing the personal service of a trusted, local business.

How does your company engage with the community?

Good Energy Solutions has long been woven into the fabric of Lawrence, giving back through initiatives that reflect both its values and hometown roots. Since 2017, the company’s Solar Giveaway Program has donated solar systems to nonprofits like Family Promise, The Willow, Van Go, and Sunrise Project, helping each organization cut operating costs so they can devote more energy to their missions. Beyond solar, the team supports local schools, arts programs, athletic teams, and nonprofits, while employees volunteer their time for educational outreach and sustainability efforts, from classroom presentations to helping out with community events around town.

That commitment has earned the company repeated Best of Lawrence honors and the Lawrence Business Foundation Award, while also boosting the local economy through job creation, and specialized training to grow the region’s skilled renewable energy workforce. By pairing environmental stewardship with community investment, Good Energy Solutions has built a reputation not only as a trusted solar and electrical contractor, but as a true partner to the community it calls home.

What do you believe sets your business apart?

In an industry often criticized for aggressive sales tactics, Good Energy Solutions has taken a different path. Since 2007, the Lawrence-based, family-owned company has focused on helping people lower their energy costs and cut back on fossil fuel use.

“We’ve always believed in giving customers real solutions they can count on,” says founder Kevin Good. That philosophy has guided the company from its early days to becoming one of the region’s most trusted names in solar and electrical work.

Today, Good Energy Solutions offers residential and commercial solar installations, battery storage, full-service electrical work, and even a dedicated repair and maintenance department. That last part is especially important, since many homeowners are left stranded when their original installer goes out of business or doesn’t stand behind their work. “We step in to make sure their investment is protected,” Good explains.

The company’s track record backs up its reputation: more NABCEP-certified professionals than any other solar company in the area, recognition as a Top Solar Contractor, a Best of Lawrence winner, and the 2024 BBB Torch Award for Ethics. But awards aren’t what drive the team.

“Our roots are here, and our customers are our neighbors,” says Good. “At the end of the day, people want to know they can trust us and we take that responsibility seriously.”

Are there any upcoming projects, events or initiatives that you are excited about and want the community to know about?

The 30% federal tax credit for commercial solar and energy storage is set to expire, but signing a contract in 2025 lets businesses lock in that incentive without being subject to new equipment rules that could raise costs. Now is an ideal time to go solar and secure the lowest possible price. A newly launched program also makes it easier for nonprofits, churches, and local governments to adopt solar energy. Good Energy Solutions has teamed up with Brightwell Capital to provide financing solutions that leverage tax credits, incentives, and creative investment structures. The result is a pathway for these organizations to access solar power without large upfront costs. Beyond that, Good Energy Solutions has several exciting initiatives on the horizon that reflect both its commitment to innovation and its dedication to the Lawrence community.

In the coming months, the company will announce the recipient of its next Solar Giveaway, donating a solar energy system to a local nonprofit to help reduce operating costs and expand their impact. This program has become one of the team’s favorite traditions. On top of that, the team continues to plan community outreach events and educational opportunities aimed at growing energy literacy in the area. For Good Energy Solutions, these projects are more than business. It’s about educating people on the rising energy costs driven by AI data centers and utility infrastructure, and showing how homeowners and businesses can protect themselves against both higher rates and power outages caused by extreme weather or supply shortages.

What challenges has Good Energy Solutions encountered and what lessons have you learned from them?

Over the years, Good Energy Solutions has faced challenges that tested both its resilience and its commitment to its mission. From supply chain disruptions and changing incentive programs to the sudden collapse of manufacturers, the company has learned the importance of adaptability and transparency with its customers. This journey is often referred to in the industry as “the solar coaster.” Growing as a family-owned business also meant learning to scale responsibly, balancing rising demand with the craftsmanship, ethics, and service that built its reputation. These experiences have shown that long-term success isn’t about chasing quick wins, but about earning trust, investing in people, and delivering reliable, future-ready energy solutions that stand the test of time.